A bond that burns

Amari stood now, heart thudding steady, gaze sweeping across the room like a final invitation.

"All of us together… we can handle whatever they throw at us," he said. "You know it. We've done the impossible more than once. This time, at least we get paid for it."

But they still sat still. Still unsure. The fire cracked in the center of the room, popping softly—almost like it was filling the silence for them.

Finally, Amari exhaled and stepped toward the door.

"Doesn't matter," he murmured. "I'll go alone, like I always have."

His fingers brushed the handle—

"Wait."

Maverick stood.

"If you go solo, you'll trip over the front gate and botch the whole job before breakfast," he said with a smirk.

Milo chuckled from the couch. "He's not lying. You forget your boots last time we raided that convoy."

Amari turned, a flash of disbelief in his eyes.